Former Holy Cross site plan moves to council without recommendation

Residents in the Lower Ninth Ward are divided on the future of the former Holy Cross school site.

NEW ORLEANS -

The Historic District Landmarks Commission on Thursday became the second city commission Thursday to make no recommendation on a plan to redevelop the former Holy Cross School site.

HDLC commissioners failed to reach a legal majority on a motion to deny an application to the developer, Perez APC. Late last month, the City Planning Commission failed to reach a legal majority and also passed the plan off to the City Council without a recommendation.

The controversy over plans to redevelop the former Holy Cross site has waged on for more than a year.

The Perez plan calls for a mixed-used commercial and residential development. Two buildings near the riverfront would be 75 feet tall, exceeding the current 40 foot limit for the area.

Developers and supporters say it would be significant in drawing economic growth to the Lower Ninth Ward.

“What we are trying to do is be a catalyst to bring in more development,” said Quan Smith, development project manager for Perez.

Opponents say the modern structure would disrupt the historic character of the Holy Cross neighborhood.

“The very thing that is so wonderful about living in this Lower Ninth Ward will be destroyed,” said Vanessa Gueringer.

HDLC commissioners speculated that the City Council will have a lot to decide when it gets the project without recommendations from either commission. Residents say they have been told the issue will go before city council as early as next week and as late as May.

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